Audition Or Not

Rockmusician · #1 07-25-2011, 07:02 AM

A few of weeks ago, I was contacted by an old friend who also happens to be a great guitarist. He is putting a new band together and wanted to know if I was available. He has management and his previous band was relatively successful. We spoke on the phone and he said he has a drummer and it would be great if I was available because it would save him the trouble of auditioning bass players. Over the next couple of weeks, we trade emails. He said he has received recordings and bios from several singers and narrowed it down to two. Last night, I send him an email to check in and see where we are at. He responds by stating that auditions will be in two weeks. So just to be clear, I ask him if he is auditioning singers or people for all the positions in the band. He replies this morning by saying that there will be auditions for every position in the band. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I don't like the fact that he told me that he wanted me to play and now feels the need to audition drummers and bass players. The fact that he is an hour from my house doesn't help matters. What would you do?

kevteop · #2 07-25-2011, 07:05 AM

If you're interested, go audition. If you're not, don't.

T-Bird · #3 07-25-2011, 12:43 PM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevteop

If you're interested, go audition. If you're not, don't.

^This.

I would go if the project was to my liking, regardless of whether I knew one or more members previously.

Regards
Sam

Nomadskills · #4 07-25-2011, 01:36 PM

You could always ask him to clarify.

Muttleybass · #5 07-25-2011, 01:58 PM

Like others have said, it's up to you. Even if you are auditioning, you probably have a leg up because the guy knows you. Besides, you're auditioning THEM as well... The guy might want to cover his ...um, BASSES if you decide to not accept the gig.

Do you like the music?
Do you like the guy?
Do you 'fit'?
Would you have enough input into the band? Or would you be a hired gun?

After 35+ years in the business, I don't think any position in any band is safe, ever. Not even the leader. I've seen everyone in a band quite around a guy only to reform without him with a new name. I was given a gig by a guy whom I'd played with in another project for two years, then let go after a month. I've played in bands that have lasted 10 years without even a handshake. It's not like you get married.